The Complete Guide to the 2025 Indoor Hockey UK Championships
Indoor hockey is not just the outdoor game played inside. It is faster, sharper, and leaves zero room for error. The boards mean the ball never goes out of play. Decisions happen in milliseconds.
As we head into late December, clubs across the country are finalizing their preparation for the biggest open entry tournament of the year. Whether you are a parent organizing the travel logistics, a coach prepping your squad, or a player taping up your stick, you need the right information.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Indoor Hockey UK Championships 2025. We will break down the new rule changes for this year, the parking hacks at the University of Nottingham, and exactly how this event differs from the England Hockey Super 6s.
What is the Indoor Hockey UK Championships?
This tournament serves as one of the premier festivals of indoor hockey in Great Britain. Unlike league-based competitions, this is a tournament format event that brings together schools and clubs from every corner of the UK.
Event Overview & Key Dates
If you are planning your Christmas break, mark these dates clearly. According to the official schedule released by the organizers, the event runs right between Christmas and New Year.
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Dates: December 27 – 30, 2025
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Location: David Ross Sports Village, University of Nottingham
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Surface: Premier standard indoor courts (wood/composite)
The David Ross Sports Village is a world-class venue. It features a massive main sports hall that can be split into multiple courts, allowing for a high volume of matches to be played simultaneously. This creates a unique “festival” atmosphere where you can watch U10s play on one court while the elite adult teams compete on the next.
[Official Indoor Hockey UK Schedule]
Who Can Enter? (Age Groups & Classifications)
One of the best aspects of the Indoor Hockey UK Championships 2025 is the inclusivity. It caters to almost every level of the game.
The 2025 classifications include:
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U10 & U12 Mixed: Often played on smaller pitches or with modified rules to encourage flow.
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U14, U16, U18: Separate Boys and Girls competitions. This is where the competition gets fierce as players look to get scouted.
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Adult Open: Men’s and Ladies’ tiers for senior club players.
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Masters: For the veterans who still have the skills (and the knees) for the indoor game.
“Championships” vs. “Super 6s”: Clearing the Confusion
There is often confusion among parents and new team managers about which tournament is which. You might hear people use the terms interchangeably, but they are very different events.
The Difference Explained
The Indoor Hockey UK Championships (this event) is an independent festival organized by Indoor Hockey UK. It is an “Open” tournament, meaning any club or school can pay the entry fee and compete. It typically takes place in late December.
The Super 6s is the national indoor league organized by England Hockey (the governing body). Qualification for the Super 6s usually happens through local county and regional rounds, culminating in finals in January or February.
Why the December Tournament Matters
Even if your team’s main goal is the Super 6s, the December Championships are vital.
Because the indoor season is so short (usually just December and January), teams have very little time to practice. The Indoor Hockey UK Championships acts as the perfect high-intensity warm-up. It gives coaches a chance to test defensive press structures and penalty corner routines in a real competitive environment before the regional qualifiers begin in January.
2025 Tournament Format & Rule Changes
The organizers tweak the format slightly every year to accommodate the massive number of teams. For 2025, there are specific changes you need to be aware of to manage player fatigue.
The New Timing Structure
For the 2025 edition, the match lengths have been adjusted for specific junior age groups.
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U12 & U14 Categories: Matches will now consist of two halves of 10 minutes (2×10).
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Central Timing: The venue operates on a central buzzer system. When the horn goes, the game starts or stops immediately. There is no injury time in pool games.
This change to 2×10 minutes is a positive move. It allows for a quick half-time team talk, giving coaches 60 seconds to correct tactical issues. Previously, some tournaments used a straight 15-minute one-way game, which made it hard to stop momentum if a team was struggling.
6-a-Side Rules Snapshot
If you are new to the indoor format, here are the three golden rules that separate it from the outdoor game:
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No Lifting: You cannot raise the ball off the ground unless you are shooting at the goal from within the shooting circle.
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Sideboards: The ball is kept in play by 10cm wooden boards along the sidelines. You can use these to bounce passes around defenders.
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The Screen: You cannot shield the ball with your body as strictly as you might outdoors. Because the pitch is smaller, “obstruction” is blown much faster by umpires.
Essential Venue Logistics (David Ross Sports Village)
Getting to the University of Nottingham is easy, but navigating the campus can be tricky if you have not been there before.
Getting There & Parking Hacks
The venue is located on the University Park Campus. The postcode generally used is NG7 2RD.
Pro-Tip: Parking Strategy The main car park directly outside the David Ross Sports Village fills up by 9:00 AM. Do not waste time circling for a spot.
Drive straight to the Nightingale Hall car park or the Bowling Green area. It is a short 5-minute walk to the entrance, but it saves you the stress of getting stuck in the drop-off loop. Also, check the parking machines. Even on weekends/holidays, the University sometimes requires you to register your vehicle for a free ticket to avoid a fine.
Facilities & “The Clubhouse”
Between games, players need to rest and refuel. The venue has “The Clubhouse,” a cafe area serving coffee and hot food. However, with hundreds of athletes on-site, the lines get long.
I highly recommend bringing your own team food (pasta pots, bananas, energy bars) and using the cafe only for parents needing coffee. Spectator viewing is excellent here, with balconies overlooking the main courts, so you can see the tactical shape of the teams clearly.
Competitor & Coach Requirements
This section is critical for team managers. The organizers are very strict on protocol to keep the schedule running on time.
The “60-Minute Rule” (Briefing)
This is the most common mistake new teams make. The team manager must attend a briefing at the control desk at least 60 minutes before their first game.
If you miss this, you risk penalties or even forfeiture of the first match. The organizers use this time to check squad lists and hand out accreditation. Do not arrive 30 minutes before push-back expecting to walk straight onto the pitch.
Kit & Equipment Regulations
Referees will check kit before you enter the court.
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Face Masks: All defenders involved in a penalty corner must wear a protective face mask. You cannot play without them.
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Indoor Sticks: You cannot use an outdoor stick. Indoor sticks are lighter and thinner.
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Non-Marking Shoes: This is strictly enforced to protect the court surface.
[Best Indoor Hockey Sticks for 2025]
Spectator Information
Ticket Availability
For the Indoor Hockey UK Championships 2025, entry for spectators is generally free. However, due to fire safety capacities in the hall, the organizers sometimes require you to register for a free ticket online in advance.
Check the official website one week before the event. Do not assume you can just walk in if the venue reaches capacity during the finals.
Accommodation in Nottingham
If your team is staying overnight, the Orchard Hotel is located directly on campus, right next to the conference center. It is the most convenient option but also the most expensive. For budget-friendly options, look at hotels in Beeston or Wollaton, which are a short drive away.
FAQs
When is the indoor hockey season in the UK?
The season is short and intense, running primarily from early December through late January.
What is the difference between indoor and outdoor hockey sticks?
Indoor sticks are much lighter and thinner. Outdoor sticks are too heavy and thick, making them dangerous for the close-quarters play of indoor hockey.
How long is an indoor hockey match?
In this tournament, matches for U12/U14 are 20 minutes (2×10). Adult matches may be longer depending on the scheduling block.
How many players are on an indoor hockey team?
A team consists of 6 players on the pitch (5 outfield + 1 goalkeeper). Squads can usually have up to 12 players with rolling substitutions.
Where are the UK Indoor Hockey Championships held?
The 2025 event is held at the David Ross Sports Village, University of Nottingham.
Do you need tickets for the Indoor Hockey UK Championships?
Tickets are typically free but may require advance booking. Always check the event portal.
Is lifting the ball allowed in indoor hockey?
No. You can only raise the ball when taking a shot at goal inside the shooting circle. Lifting the ball anywhere else is a foul.
What are the age groups for the 2025 championships?
Competitions run from U10 Mixed right up to Adult Masters.
Final Thoughts
The Indoor Hockey UK Championships 2025 is a highlight of the winter sports calendar. It is fast, exciting, and a brilliant way to develop stick skills that translate back to the outdoor game.
If you are competing, remember the golden rules: get your manager to the briefing early, park at Nightingale Hall, and be ready for the new 2×10 minute format.
Good luck to all teams travelling to Nottingham this December!
[Indoor Hockey UK Official Registration Page]
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